Tributes pour in after COVID-19 claims life of beloved Prince Albert teacher

“We have members of our admin team connected to Prince Albert so we were aware. We are also in shock and vacillate between sadness and rage. His death was preventable. We will continue to fight for the safety of school staff and students,” Safe Schools Saskatchewan said in a statement.

An online tribute to the beloved teacher, and mentor has been gaining momentum. (Twitter)

Condolences, well wishes, and tributes poured onto Thunderchild’s Facebook page, including from friends, family members, and those who were inspired by Thunderchild as students and pupils.

Kaylene Waditaka shared “Mr. Thunderchild” was one of her favourite teachers.“He really pushed to me to graduate, and helped me with letters when I ran for Miss FSIN 2018-2019 and always told me all these opportunities to help me boost my grades,” she said.

Waditaka also explained one thing she will always remember and hold in her heart is how on the first day of school (in his class) he would play the Flag & Victory song and the last day of school he would play them again.

“I loved how he did that for each of his classes, ” she said.

A screenshot of some comments of condolences on Victor Thunderchild’s Facebook page.

Thunderchild’s passion to see youth excel has not gone unnoticed. (Facebook)

On April 5, Thunderchild sounded the alarm on COVID-19 affecting teachers and school staff, and urged Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe to make school staff essential workers.

Thank you @PremierScottMoe for not thinking we’re essential workers, as I sit in the @PAHealthDept Vic hospital recovering from Covid-19. Get my fellow teachers vaccinated, before this happens to anyone else.

— vic65tc (@VicThunderchild) April 5, 2021